Do I Trim Feathers on Pampas Grass?

Feathery pampas grass flowers generally emerge in mid summer.

Showy and instantly recognizable, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is perhaps best known for its feathery flowers. Both male and female plants produce the tall, slender stalks topped with graceful plumes, but the female flowers are fuller. Trimming the feathers is optional. Some home gardeners enjoy the appearance of them throughout the winter months. Others trim them for use in crafts.

Trimming to Keep

People often use pampas grass feathers in dried flower arrangements and in crafts. It you want to harvest the plumes, do so right after they have fully opened, but before they start shedding. You can use them immediately after cutting in dried flower arrangements or, if you want to use the feathers for crafts, leave them out to dry and then spray them with hairspray to prevent them from shedding. When cutting, use long lopping shears or hedge shears and protect yourself with thick gloves and long sleeves. Pampas grass leaves are extremely sharp and easily cut through skin.

Pruning the Plant

Pruning pampas grass helps keep its size under control -- it is a vigorous grower and can reach a maximum average height and width of around 12 and 6 feet -- and make room for new growth. The best time to do this is in late winter, before new growth begins. To prune the plant, remove all growth -- including the feathers -- down to just above ground level. A power pruner is probably the best tool to use on large, mature plants, but you still need to protect your skin and eyes from the sharp leaves.

Leaving Them Alone

It's fine to leave the feathers where they stand. During the winter, the feathers and foliage of plants in freezing climates will turn golden brown, which is attractive to some. In frost-free climates, the foliage will remain green. In time, the old feathers will gradually shed all of their plumes, leaving tall stalks poking up above the leaves. At that point, you may want to remove them to improve the appearance of the plant. Sometimes new growth hides the old, bald stalks.

Other Considerations

Pampas grass has invasive tendencies, especially in frost-free areas. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, these big, tough plants freely reseed and can tolerate both drought conditions and salt spray. It is classified as an invasive plant in Hawaii and in parts of California; particularly along the coast. Pampas grass is not recommended for cultivating as a specimen plant in those areas. In addition, pampas grass can become a fire hazard when the old foliage dies and becomes dry. The dried leaves and stalks are highly flammable, according to the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For this reason, do not plant it too close to homes and other structures.